The crowd alternatively applauded and heckled Lance as he answered demanding questions by lottery from his constituents that strongly focused on Trump, including the investigation into Trump’s ties with Russia.

“I criticize the President where I disagree with him,” Lance said. “I indicate where I support him. Certainly I think a fair and impartial investigation into the Russian situation should occur, and I think that Bob Muller [the former FBI director who was appointed as special counsel to investigate Russia’s interference in the election] will do a superb job and let the chips fall where they may.”

Lance stated his disapproval of Trump’s proposed budget, saying the cuts are too significant, and addressed his recent trip abroad by praising NATO.

“I am a strong supporter of NATO,” Lance said. “I believe in Article 5. As I read history, NATO has been indispensable. Now, I also think that some of our NATO allies should do a better job regarding defense spending in their countries. There are some countries that have met their 2 percent goal, of course we meet it. But some countries have not and I hope that those countries can move in the direction of 2 percent. Would I have stated that publicly in a principal speech I gave at NATO? I probably would have done it more privately in multilateral discussions with NATO allies. But I do think that we should encourage NATO allies to meet their responsibilities over time and continue to believe that the NATO alliance is indispensable.”

Later, Michael Collins of Cranford asked Lance to explain his views towards budget cuts for programs like Medicaid, SNAP or food stamps. Lance said he supports a 1 or 2 percent cut to programs like Medicaid, but is not likely to support significant cuts. After Collins said he was unsatisfied with Lance’s answer, the audience urged him to ask a follow up question.

“I don’t wish to deprive other people of their time, but as I recall, you first came to the House in 2009,” Collins said. “You say you wish to balance the budget, but in 2009, when you entered the House, you also signed a pledge to not raise taxes, in which case you are essentially kneecapping Congress’ ability to balance the budget. It’s only possible to balance the budget through cuts if you are not willing to raise taxes.”

“You favor raising taxes?” Lance asked in response.

“It seems to me not irrational to raise taxes upon those who have incomes of several million dollars, those who have the most to spend” Collins said. “I don’t necessarily need anymore. I’ve taken a student loan in order to finish my graduate funding, but if I never see another cent from the government, it doesn’t bother me at all. What concerns me is the condition of people in the country at large and they need help.”

Collins was met with a standing ovation from the audience. In answer, Lance said he voted several years ago to continue Bush tax cuts for certain, but not all, Americans, but that the tax rate went back up and affected them economically. He also said he will review any tax proposal that comes his way.

When speaking about the budget, Lance was met with applause when he made a point to include the Gateway Tunnel, a project to build two new tunnels under the Hudson River. Earlier on Tuesday, Lance posted on his website and social media that he urges Trump to support the project.

“I think it’s very important that there be funds in the budget, at least to begin the discussion, for the Gateway Tunnel,” Lance said. “I think the tunnel will require funding from the federal government, the state of New York, the state of New Jersey, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.”

In regards to the environment, Lance told his constituents that he believes in climate change and agrees with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson that he does not think the United States should leave the Paris accord.

Following a question about immigration, Lance was met with a mixture of boos and applause as he said he supports “the dreamers.”

“I think we should concentrate on removing those who came here illegally who have committed a crime,” Lance said. “I do not favor amnesty. I do not favor the removal of dreamers, who came here as small children, for example. I think I cosigned a bill, and if not I support it, a bill that would allow dreamers who volunteered or served in the military to become citizens of the United States.”

“Not everyone’s a dreamer,” said Jenny Hughes of North Plainfield. “What about everyone else?”

The audience’s most explosive reaction followed the last question of the night, when Cathy Sheridan of Cranford questioned Lance’s attitude towards Planned Parenthood.

“I voted several weeks ago for funding for the government for the rest of the year, which includes Planned Parenthood,” Lance said. “It does not include abortions.”

Lance continued by voicing his support for the Hyde Amendment of 1976, which prohibits the use of federal funds for abortion. He was met with raucous boos and arguments from the crowd.

“You’re supposed to represent the constituents,” Sheridan yelled. “We don’t represent you, you represent us. You said you vote with your conscience, but we’re telling you what our conscience is and you’re saying ‘well I disagree.’ So then I guess, as the CEO, you should go. Because if you like Apple but you work for Microsoft, you shouldn’t be there.”

Still, one woman in the audience said that she was pro-life and that Lance represents her as well. Lance responded by saying he supports the Hyde Amendment and he does not see that changing, but he does hope others will share his point of view.

CLARK, NJ - The Frank K. Hehnly School Mentoring LINKS (Looking Into the Needs of Kids) program was in full swing at a "Bowling and Burgers" event. Students and their mentors visited Garwood Lanes where they formed teams and worked together to earn the highest score.

According to Mentor LINKS advisor Nina Conner, the students had a great time. “Everyone enjoyed the music, aimed for strikes, ...

CLARK, NJ - The Frank K. Hehnly School Mentoring LINKS (Looking Into the Needs of Kids) program was ...

CLARK, NJ – The Clark Volunteer Emergency Squad is seeking drivers for overnight shifts, from 6pm to 6am. Councilman Pat O’Connor, who serves as liaison to the Emergency Squad, encourages those interested to email membership@clarkems.org. All training will be provided for new drivers, O’Connor explained during a recent Clark Town Council Meeting.

CLARK, NJ- The Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders kicked off their new season at home against the Morris Catholic High School Crusaders (Denville). After a slow start, a quick offensive push sparked the home team, who fought to a 17-17 tie with 4:49 left in the second quarter.

The visiting Crusaders found a way around the push from the home Crusaders as the rest of the quarter winded ...

CLARK, NJ- The Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders kicked off their new season at home against ...

CLARK, NJ - Mrs. Winthers’s keyboarding students at Arthur L. Johnson High School prepared thank you letters to service members who are deployed during the holidays. Students were asked to compose a positive message thanking members of the military for their service to the country which allows citizens the ability to peacefully enjoy freedom at home.

CLARK, NJ – Clark’s new recycling program will take effect on January 1, 2019. Ahead of this change, all homeowners will receive a new 96-gallon blue recycling cart during the week of December 17, Business Administrator John Laezza announced during the Town Council meeting on December 3.

As reported this past summer, the Township secured a five-year contract with a new recycling company, ...

CLARK, NJ – Clark’s new recycling program will take effect on January 1, 2019. Ahead of this ...

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J. -- James Scacifero and Julian Kaniuka each won two races to help the Union Catholic swim team remain undefeated with a 125-45 victory over Johnson on Thursday night at the Jewish Community Center in Scotch Plains.

Scacifero, a senior, won the 100 freestyle in 59.24 and the 200 freestyle in 2:10.52 and Kaniuka, a freshman, won the 50 freestyle in 24.14 and the 100 butterfly ...

SCOTCH PLAINS, N.J. -- James Scacifero and Julian Kaniuka each won two races to help the Union ...

CLARK, NJ – During the month of November, Clark UNICO, in conjunction with local residents, collected new socks, pajamas, hats, gloves and scarves to help benefit the St. Joseph’s Social Service Center’s Giving Tree Program.

The center, located in Elizabeth, holds a gift distribution program annually. Clients begin signing up in September, resulting in approximately 2,500 requests to the ...

CLARK, NJ – During the month of November, Clark UNICO, in conjunction with local residents, ...

CLARK, NJ - The Clark Police have issued a road work advisory for Friday, December 14. According to police, the intersection of Oak Ridge Road and Lake Avenue will be paved between the hours of 9:00 a.m.and 3:00 p.m.

Starting at 9:00 a.m. the westbound traffic on Raritan Road will be detoured onto Featherbed Lane and then onto Tudor Drive to Lake Avenue. During this time, no left turns will ...

CLARK, NJ - The Clark Police have issued a road work advisory for Friday, December 14. According ...